HGTV Host Killed in Motorcycle-Car Accident

HGTV Host Killed in Motorcycle-Car Accident

Bill Beckwith, a co-host of the HGTV show “Curb Appeal” was
killed in a motorcycle accident in San Francisco, reported the
New York Daily News (12.4.13).

The 38-year-old died after a car hit the motorcycle he was riding. Beckwith
suffered head trauma in the accident.

“Curb Appeal,” is a television show that features home renovations.

New York motorcycle accident injuries and fatalities

According to a report released in April 2013 by the Governors Highway Safety
Association (GHSA), motorcycle deaths increased significantly in 2012. In fact, motorcyclist
deaths increased in 14 of the last 15 years, more than doubling in the
years 1997 to 2008.

In 2012, the motorcycle deaths increased in 34 states and were up 9% nationwide
over 2011, putting the number of deaths at more than 5000. In New York,
there were 150 motorcyclist deaths in the first nine months of 2012. This
was a rise of 5% from 2011. The weather may have played a role in the
higher number of fatalities, as it was a “very mild winter in 2011-12
and an early spring 2012 with nice weather and increased riding.”

Another reason for the continued high numbers of motorcycle fatalities
may be a lack of helmets. Only 19 states require all riders to wear helmets
at all times, down from 26 states in 1997. New York is one of the states
that require motorcyclists to wear a helmet. A motorcyclist not wearing
a helmet is 37 percent more likely to die than one who wears a helmet,
said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is unreported
whether Beckwith was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

More than half of motorcyclist deaths involved at least one other vehicle.

New York accident lawyer helps individuals injured in motorcycle accidents

The auto accident lawyers at The Perecman Firm want to remind auto drivers
to watch for motorcycles. While the operators of cars are protected by
the vehicle’s steel shell, motorcyclists are not. A minor accident,
which wouldn’t injure a person in a car, could kill a rider on a
motorcycle. Most collisions with motorcycles happen when cars make a left
turn in front of a motorcycle that’s going straight or change lanes
without noticing the biker.

Motorcycles riders need to look out, as well.

If you, or a loved one, have been hurt while riding a motorcycle, you need
an experienced auto accident lawyer who can investigate the facts of the
accident and work to get you maximum compensation for your injuries.